Aims of the Department
At FBS we aim to develop confident mathematicians who understand the world, can think logically and solve problems.. We do this by continuing to grow their conceptual understanding by providing opportunities to encourage mathematical reasoning and unfamiliar situations. We take time to develop the boy’s reflection skills and engage in dialogue with their teachers to support their critical thinking and correct misconceptions.
During KS4 we start to prepare boys for the world of work and onward study. Boys continue to study the five strands of Mathematics; Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio and Probability, but in greater depth than covered at KS3 and with a focus on seeing how these skills and concepts are interlinked and can be used to solve problems.
Boys learn why it is important to develop algebraic and numerical fluency. We investigate more sophisticated methods of analysis and presentation of numerical data. All boys learn how to work with percentage and proportional change fluently, and solve problems which are relevant to all members of society; how interest on loans and savings accounts work, or how to know whether you are getting a fair deal on pricing and costing.
The maths department has a range of resources to support and stretch the boys which includes online learning tools, hands-on experiences and technology.
Our Approach to Lessons
In Maths our lessons are geared towards boys through engaging with ‘real life’ application and exploring different mathematical scenarios which challenge and draws on the boys’ experience.At KS4 we build on the core skills mastered in Year 7, 8 and 9 and extend these concepts to prepare boys for GCSE and onward study. We focus on mathematical rigour, communication and problem solving, and we see how various concepts are interlinked and multiple approaches can be used to solve problems. We ensure concepts are revisited regularly to reinforce learning, retention and understanding.
What do students say about learning in Maths?
Max W. Y10
In Maths this term the Year 10’s have been preparing for their GCSEs. We are currently learning about the topic of Statistics and have been working hard towards it. We have been making the most out of our time in Maths out of lessons also. A Maths help club is up and running at lunch times and a lot of Year 10’s go to this club if they feel like they are struggling with certain topics leading up to the exam, or if they want to build on their knowledge. This club is run by students but teachers are available when extra help is needed.
Zac F. Y8
Maths has been the same as usual: smashing objectives and filling pages like it’s no big deal. Maths is always engaging and interactive with the best teachers in the world. Some people would say maths is boring and useless but that’s until they go to FBS. The ownwork can be pretty long though – that’s if you don’t put 100% into all your schoolwork in maths.
In maths this term we have been focusing on algebra specifically. Algebra has the reputation of being boring, complicated and but I think the boys in our class have embraced algebra and given it their all. We have even moved on to the really complex Level 7 questions.
